Gov. Bello opens 37th FEPSGA Games in Lokoja

GOV. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday declared open the 37th Edition of the annual Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) at Confluence stadium, Lokoja.

It is tagged: “Lokoja 2018”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 10,000 contingents across the country were present at the opening ceremony with a match pass by the participating teams.

Bello, who was represented by the Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly and the Acting Governor, Matthew Kolawole, urged the participants to ensure that friendship, performance and kindness prevailed in the game.

The governor said that the government had collaborated with the relevant stakeholders to ensure hitch-free sporting events and the maximum security of all participants.

He enjoined the contigents to avail themselves the opportunity to visit and explore the numerous tourist centres available in the state, saying Kogi was strategically located and borderd with nine states, including FCT.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, commended the governor for taking the responsibility of hosting the games and providing the needed facilities and logistics.

Represented by Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secratary, Service Welfare Office (OHCSF), Oyo-Ita said the 2018 FEPSGA would provide an atmosphere to discover athletes who would be able to represent the country at national and international sporting events.

She said that her office had initiated policies and programmes to enhance the efficiency and productivity of civil servants in the public service, among which was the Strategic and Implementation Plan 2017-2020.

Oyo-Ita commended the officials for their efforts, and called for harmonious participation by all contigents to make the Kogi 2018 edition a huge success.

Mr Aloku Amaebi, the National President FEPSGA, said that FEPSGA was established in 1980, with the aim of fostering unity and healthy rivalry in sports amongst Federal Public Servants.

Amaebi added that the FEPSGA games had promoted commerce, hospitality, industry and tourism.

He said it had improved the economic activities of states visited which Kogi State was currently benefiting.

He expressed gratitude to the governor and the people of Kogi for supporting the event, occasioned by the cooperation and warmth reception.

“It is our expectation that this game makes a statement for the enhancement and improvement of future sporting activities in Kogi State.

“I enjoin all sport men and women and visitors to be of good conduct and behavior in order to benefit from the hospitality of Kogi people,” he said.

Amaebi further felicitated with Kogi Government on the recent promotion to the Nigerian Premier League after 42 years of existence and 23 years of fighting doggedly for the elusive promotion.

NAN reports that 46 MDAs participated in the martch past,.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources came first. while the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Niger Delta, came 2nd and 3rd.

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